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Beauty, brains and exceedingly good taste: the Lake District, Cumbria is the full package. Here we celebrate a living culture that incorporates the past but is rooted firmly in the present. Our history - ancient and more recent - is alive and well in the very Cumbrian landscape, but you can interpret it in our impressive collection of museums that tell Cumbria’s story - from prehistory right through to the modern age.
There’s an impressive list of radical thinkers and artistic pioneers who found inspiration here – William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, John Ruskin, Kurt Schwitters, Josefina de Vasconcellos and Andy Goldsworthy. You can walk in their footsteps, visit their homes and explore the rich creative life built on their exceptional heritage.
You can see and feel it within a few short miles: as well as museums and heritage centres there are scores of galleries, exhibitions and artists’ studios; there’s artworks in the mountains and forests; a packed, year-round programme of live theatre performances, independent cinemas and festivals celebrating all manner of creative endeavours, from music to local craft. And yes, we have lots of traditional performance venues, but there’s a particular thrill in attending a show on an outdoor stage in a spectacular setting.
Inspiration
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Friendly, contemporary Keswick-based art gallery in the heart of the Northern Lake District…
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Six-screen independent cinema showing all the leatest blockbusters and weekly alternative titles,…
The loveliest spot that man hath ever found
Number of results: 47
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Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
Kendal
ONE OF THE UK'S OLDEST MUSEUMS, where History and Nature meet
Our unconventional Japanese Robata cooking with Korean flavours and Pacific Rim influences makes Baha the perfect destination to enjoy a unique food experience.
Ambleside
This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, now houses an annually changing exhibition of Potter's original artwork.
Greystoke, Penrith
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking, Textiles, Raku pottery, Wood /Stone carving, Willow & Wire, Ceramics, Glass, Silver and much much more.
Barrow-in-Furness
Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…
Keswick
Founded in 2007, KMF is now one of the UK’s best-loved outdoor festivals. Each event attracts thousands of visitors to the iconic fells and lakes of Cumbria with its unique mix of live entertainment, sports races, outdoor adventures, high profile…
Penrith
Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Gallery, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and 128 seat puppet theatre.
Whitehaven
Award winning attraction, The Rum Story, is the worlds first exhibition depicting the story of the UK rum trade.
Kewick
Friendly, contemporary Keswick-based art gallery in the heart of the Northern Lake District National Park, representing over 80 artists.
Keswick
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.
Keswick
Gallery 26 houses the work of the well known artist, Nelsonn, a painter and sculptor who produces works in series of 26 which are in different materials, styles and subject matter.
Hawkshead
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to sculpture in the forest. The Visitor Centre includes the Forest Shop, Cafe in the Forest and shop.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Kendal
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.
Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
CARLISLE
Nick Westgarth is the driving force behind Real Live Music, a venture which organises and promotes live music events in Carlisle and Cumbria. One such event is the the Carlisle Blues/Rock Festival which is recognised as one of the top five Blues…
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL